Thoughts on therapy...
Thank you for taking a look at my website. I've created this space to answer some of your questions and about therapy and about me. Feel free to explore!
What is therapy?
Whether it is called counselling, therapy or psychotherapy, the process usually surrounds a difficulty that an individual wants to work through. This may be day-to-day hassles that are wearing a person down or much deeper conflicts that leave the individual feeling that there is little or no way out. In therapy the client and the therapist build a relationship that enables the problem to become clearer. In being able to unpick the repeated patterns of feelings and experiences that leave us feeling stuck, the aim of therapy is to find a route through the problem together.
How long does it take?
As you might expect, it differs from person to person. Some therapists offer set blocks of appointments, usually between 6-12. It is common for each session to last 50 minutes, otherwise known as the 'therapeutic hour'. If the goal of therapy is quite specific, short term therapy may work very well. Long term therapy, lasting 1-2 years, may be suited for someone who has long standing difficulties, or who wishes to have a space outside of a hectic life in order to process what is going on for them. Sometimes in short term therapy, the seeds of change are planted, though continue to grow outside of the therapy room. In this instance a person can have a specific problem that they may find links to a bigger pattern within their life. They can choose to process and work through this in therapy or right for a time when they wish to re-engage in therapeutic work.
My person approach is to build an initial plan with the client so that they are happy to proceed until set point at which we can review the plan. In this way the persons 'readiness for therapy' is respected.
Why doesn't everyone have therapy?
Some people believe they have to have a 'serious problem' to be able to approach a therapist. This means they might leave it until things become very bad before they seek help. Conversely, a person who thinks they are 'unhelpable' may not seek therapy because they have not had an experience of someone who has been able to relate to them in a way they have found to be helpful.
Another very obvious reason why people to not approach a therapist is because they cannot afford to do so. Some therapists (such as myself) offer a limited amount of discounted rates. However, there are people who still cannot afford to pay this amount. There are services that can see people from free or on a low scheme. These services usually have a waiting list, but may be worthwhile if they can't access therapy otherwise.
Future Therapy
I am currently working with a London based charity who provide free anonymous online counselling via their website www.haveigotaproblem.com. This may be useful for those who are anxious about accessing traditional therapy.
What is therapy?
Whether it is called counselling, therapy or psychotherapy, the process usually surrounds a difficulty that an individual wants to work through. This may be day-to-day hassles that are wearing a person down or much deeper conflicts that leave the individual feeling that there is little or no way out. In therapy the client and the therapist build a relationship that enables the problem to become clearer. In being able to unpick the repeated patterns of feelings and experiences that leave us feeling stuck, the aim of therapy is to find a route through the problem together.
How long does it take?
As you might expect, it differs from person to person. Some therapists offer set blocks of appointments, usually between 6-12. It is common for each session to last 50 minutes, otherwise known as the 'therapeutic hour'. If the goal of therapy is quite specific, short term therapy may work very well. Long term therapy, lasting 1-2 years, may be suited for someone who has long standing difficulties, or who wishes to have a space outside of a hectic life in order to process what is going on for them. Sometimes in short term therapy, the seeds of change are planted, though continue to grow outside of the therapy room. In this instance a person can have a specific problem that they may find links to a bigger pattern within their life. They can choose to process and work through this in therapy or right for a time when they wish to re-engage in therapeutic work.
My person approach is to build an initial plan with the client so that they are happy to proceed until set point at which we can review the plan. In this way the persons 'readiness for therapy' is respected.
Why doesn't everyone have therapy?
Some people believe they have to have a 'serious problem' to be able to approach a therapist. This means they might leave it until things become very bad before they seek help. Conversely, a person who thinks they are 'unhelpable' may not seek therapy because they have not had an experience of someone who has been able to relate to them in a way they have found to be helpful.
Another very obvious reason why people to not approach a therapist is because they cannot afford to do so. Some therapists (such as myself) offer a limited amount of discounted rates. However, there are people who still cannot afford to pay this amount. There are services that can see people from free or on a low scheme. These services usually have a waiting list, but may be worthwhile if they can't access therapy otherwise.
Future Therapy
I am currently working with a London based charity who provide free anonymous online counselling via their website www.haveigotaproblem.com. This may be useful for those who are anxious about accessing traditional therapy.